2 Philippine nurses with MERS in Saudi out of ICU

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino nurses who acquired Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) are out of the intensive care unit of a hospital in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

“Both of them are recuperating,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing.

Jose said the 29-year-old female nurse is now in the hospital’s private ward unit and is able to speak after  hemodialysis.

Another 32-year-old female nurse has been discharged from hospital.

“The second case indicated to the embassy that she decided to resign from her work and return to the Philippines,” Jose said in a press briefing.

The DFA reiterated its advisory to Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to take extra precautions, pay attention to their personal hygiene and follow directives issued by local health authorities. 

Filipinos working in hospitals are advised to strictly follow the infection prevention protocols of the hospital, while those who have symptoms are asked to immediately see a doctor.

Despite the decrease in MERS-CoV incidence in Saudi Arabia in recent months, maintaining high vigilance and caution against all types of infectious diseases, including the Ebola virus, is necessary to ensure the safety of loved ones, friends and colleagues, both in the Middle East and the Philippines.